Where Are You From, Really? - By Joe Lyimo

Written By: Joe Lyimo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Joe Lyimo presents "Where Are You From, Really?" in the esteemed category of Poetry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This eloquent piece delves into the intricacies of identity and belonging, provoking thought on the perception of cultural origins. As part of this international competition, Lyimo's work invites readers to reflect on the deeper questions surrounding personal identity and cultural exchange, resonating with a universal audience.

About the Work

"Where Are You From, Really?" by Joe Lyimo is a poignant exploration of cultural identity and the challenges of belonging. The poem's tone is contemplative and confrontational, using vivid imagery and a conversational style to illustrate the complexities of personal history versus societal perception. It invites readers to question the simplicity of identity labels and the deeper narrative behind the seemingly innocent question of origin.

Where Are You From, Really?

Original Submission by Joe Lyimo

"Where Are You From, really ?"

By Joe Lyimo

They always ask it twice.

First,

"Where are you from?"

I say,

"Tanzania."

They smile,

like they’ve heard of lions,

or safaris,

or something they saw on National Geographic.

Then comes the real question

"No, but like…

where are you from from?"

And suddenly

my answer is not enough.

Suddenly,

my passport is not poetry,

my accent is evidence,

my skin is a question mark.

So, I start explaining myself

like I’m a broken story.

"I live in Vienna now."

"I’ve been here for a year."

"I speak German… kidogo."

Still not enough.

Because what they really mean is

"Why are you here?"

"How did you get here?"

"Do you belong here?"

And I want to say

I belong

where my feet learn the language of the ground.

I belong

where my voice can echo without asking permission.

I belong

in the spaces between cultures,

where identity is not a checkbox

but a conversation.

But instead,

I just smile.

Because sometimes

it’s easier to shrink your story

than to educate someone

who only came for a small answer.

But listen

I am not half of anything.

I am not “almost European,”

not “still African,”

not “somewhere in between.”

I am a full sentence.

With a past,

with a present,

with a future that refuses to be simplified.

So next time you ask me

"Where are you from?"

I might just say

"I’m from everywhere

that tried to define me

and failed."

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the power of words to transcend borders and cultures. It brings together diverse voices from around the world, offering a platform for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives. This prestigious competition highlights the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary literary expression without imposing limitations on creativity or form.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Lyimo for his participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His poem "Where Are You From, Really?" enriches the discourse on identity and belonging, providing profound insights into the human experience. We look forward to seeing more of Joe's inspiring work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.